221 - What Is ICH and Why It Matters

Let's Combinate · 7 Jan 2026 · 14m

What this episode covers

Subhi Saadeh, host of Let's Combinate and founder of Let's Combinate BioWorks, explains the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) and its critical role in drug-device combination products. He details the history of ICH, from its 1990 founding to its 2015 legal entity status, and outlines the five-step guideline development process involving regulators like the FDA, EMA, and PMDA. Saadeh emphasizes how ICH guidelines, particularly the Quality (Q) series such as Q8, Q9, Q10, Q12, and Q13, shape global expectations for lifecycle management, stability, and risk in products like auto-injectors and refilled syringes.

Mentioned

Also
Let's Combinate BioWorks, ICH, FDA, EMA, PMDA, Health Canada, Swiss Medic, WHO, Combination Products Coalition, ASTM Committee E55, AAMI, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11, Q12, Q13, Q14

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 38m

    #380: Navigating the Complex World of Combination Products with Subhi Saadeh

    Subhi Saadeh, host of the Combinate Podcast and expert in combination products, discusses the regulatory complexities of integrating drugs, devices, and biologics, including the differences between US FDA and EU regulatory pathways. He explains the definitions of single entity, co-packaged, and cross-labeled products, and addresses common misconceptions about the differences between drug and device quality systems. Saadeh also shares his journey of starting the podcast to maintain consistent learning and production, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and leveraging coaching to balance technical and business aspects of the MedTech industry.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 42m

    #323 The Combination Products Handbook

    Susan Neadle, principal consultant and president of Combination Products Consulting Services, discusses her peer-reviewed book, The Combination Products Handbook: A Practical Guide, published by CRC Press. Neadle explains how she collaborated with FDA officials, including John Barwiener, and industry experts from companies like Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Pfizer to create a consolidated resource for the complex niche of combination products. The episode details the book's structure, covering regulatory strategies, CGMPs, risk management, and human factors, while highlighting the challenges of harmonizing terminology between pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. Neadle emphasizes the importance of holistic thinking and integrated development to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance across global jurisdictions.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 35m

    #467: Combination Product Compliance: PMOA, 21 CFR Part 4 & QMS Alignment

    Jim Fentress, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Galero (a Santa Group company), explains the regulatory complexities of combination products, focusing on how the Primary Mode of Action (PMOA) dictates FDA oversight. He details the challenges pharmaceutical companies face when integrating device Quality Management Systems (QMSR/ISO 13485) into their existing CGMP frameworks under 21 CFR Part 4. The discussion covers specific friction points like risk management alignment (AAMI TIR105 vs. ICH Q9), labeling classifications, and the critical need for transparent change control protocols between device manufacturers and pharma partners.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 25m

    Meet a Guru: Karen Schuyler

    Karen Schuyler, a Medical Device Guru at Greenlight Guru, discusses her 15-year career spanning product engineering at Gore, startup scaling, and quality strategy at large medical device companies. She highlights the industry's shift toward collaborative regulatory approaches and the challenges of adapting to frequent standard updates like ISO 13485 and EU MDR. Schuyler explains how Greenlight Guru’s software solves the inefficiency of manual traceability by automating linkages between design controls, risk management, and documentation, preventing the 'painting yourself into a corner' scenarios common in legacy systems.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 58m

    #404: MedTech 101: What You Need to Know About the Medical Device Industry

    Etienne Nichols hosts Sara Adams and Chris Rush from Greenlight Guru for a foundational overview of the medical device industry. They define medical devices by intended use and labeling, distinguishing roles for Quality, Regulatory, Clinical, and R&D teams. The trio explains FDA classifications (Class I, II, III), regulatory pathways like 510(k) and PMA, and key standards including ISO 13485 and ISO 14971. They emphasize the importance of design controls, risk management, and reading regulations to navigate compliance and market access.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Let's Combinate. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.